NFL Trade Verdict

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Win

Summary: Jacksonville traded up 2 spots (7th to 5th) to select WR Justin Blackmon, giving Tampa Bay a 4th-round pick (Omar Bolden, 101st). Analysis: Blackmon was a generational receiver prospect at Oklahoma State. The trade cost was reasonable — 2 spots plus a 4th. The problem was entirely off-field: Blackmon was suspended indefinitely by the NFL for substance violations after showing genuine on-field talent. He played 28 games, never reached his ceiling, and his career effectively ended at 24. D- is appropriate — Jacksonville lost a franchise receiver to circumstances they couldn't fully predict, but the outcome was devastatingly bad.

April 26, 2012 Jacksonville JaguarsTampa Bay Buccaneers Confidence: high Tier: major

Jacksonville Jaguars Received

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Received

Trade Summary

Summary: Jacksonville traded up 2 spots (7th to 5th) to select WR Justin Blackmon, giving Tampa Bay a 4th-round pick (Omar Bolden, 101st). Analysis: Blackmon was a generational receiver prospect at Oklahoma State. The trade cost was reasonable — 2 spots plus a 4th. The problem was entirely off-field: Blackmon was suspended indefinitely by the NFL for substance violations after showing genuine on-field talent. He played 28 games, never reached his ceiling, and his career effectively ended at 24. D- is appropriate — Jacksonville lost a franchise receiver to circumstances they couldn't fully predict, but the outcome was devastatingly bad.

Trade Analysis

Summary: Jacksonville traded up 2 spots (7th to 5th) to select WR Justin Blackmon, giving Tampa Bay a 4th-round pick (Omar Bolden, 101st). Analysis: Blackmon was a generational receiver prospect at Oklahoma State. The trade cost was reasonable — 2 spots plus a 4th. The problem was entirely off-field: Blackmon was suspended indefinitely by the NFL for substance violations after showing genuine on-field talent. He played 28 games, never reached his ceiling, and his career effectively ended at 24. D- is appropriate — Jacksonville lost a franchise receiver to circumstances they couldn't fully predict, but the outcome was devastatingly bad. Tampa Bay moved down 2 spots and received a 4th-round pick (Omar Bolden) while getting Mark Barron at 7th. Barron had a long if unspectacular NFL career. The Bucs got a solid player and an extra pick. Grade: B+